Preparing Your Pool Before Heading Out of Town
When planning a getaway, ensuring your pool remains in pristine condition during your absence is crucial. An ignored pool can quickly become home to algae or even suffer mechanical failures. Here, PoolRepair.fyi offers a comprehensive checklist to prepare your pool for your time away, keeping it clear and your equipment safe.
Ensure Optimal Water Levels
Before leaving, check that your pool’s water level is slightly above average. While the standard level is halfway up the skimmer opening, overfilling a bit can help mitigate evaporation. This precaution can prevent the pump from running dry, which could overheat the system or, worse, damage the pump motor permanently.
Clear Surface Debris Thoroughly
Remove any debris from the pool surface before departing. Organic matter left can decompose, leading to cloudy or green water. Consider a full day of filtration to catch minute contaminants. Additionally, if your filter hasn’t been backwashed in a while, now is the time to do so.
Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets
To maintain efficient water circulation, ensure your skimmer baskets and pump baskets are clear of debris. If your trip exceeds a week, arrange for someone to periodically empty these baskets. This simple task can prevent blockages that affect water flow and equipment performance.
Test and Balance Chemical Levels
Before leaving, ensure your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels are within recommended ranges. It’s advisable to maintain a slightly lower pH, as chlorine shock, which you’ll add next, tends to increase pH levels.
Chlorine Shock for Long-Term Protection
For absence periods, apply a single or double dose of chlorine shock to deter algae growth. Allow your filtration system to operate for several hours post-treatment. If using non-stabilized shock, such as calcium hypochlorite, it’s best applied at night for optimal effectiveness.
Sustain Sanitation with Chlorine Tablets
Adding extra chlorine tablets to a floater or chlorinator will support ongoing sanitization. Avoid placing tablets directly in the skimmer if the pump might turn off, as this can be risky. For saltwater pools, ensure proper salt levels—around 3,200 PPM—for continued system efficiency.
Optimize Pump and Filter Operations
Run your filtration system continuously if possible or aim for at least eight hours daily. Set automatic timers and deactivate non-essential components, like the heater, conserving energy during your absence.
Optional: Secure with Safety Covers
While away, covering your pool with an automatic or safety cover protects the water’s integrity and adds security. On returning, retest your water and balance its chemical levels if necessary. Should you find excessive algae, PoolRepair.fyi has detailed resources to help you cleanse and rejuvenate your pool efficiently.
PoolRepair.fyi Support Options
At PoolRepair.fyi, we offer several resources to assist in maintaining your pool:
- Free Pool Care Cheat Sheets: Downloadable guides for year-round maintenance.
- The Pool Care Handbook: A complete DIY guide for pool care, including water chemistry and troubleshooting.
- The Pool Care Video Course: Access over 30 instructional videos paired with a downloadable guide.
- The Pool Care App: Input water test results for a personalized treatment plan, guiding chemical additions for crystal-clear water.
Rely on these tools from PoolRepair.fyi to keep your pool in top condition, whether you’re home or away.
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